Method, apparatus, and system for providing an integrated bioenergy complex to process mixed solid waste

ABSTRACT

An approach is provided for processing mixed solid waste using an integrated bioenergy complex. The approach, for instance, involves receiving the mixed solid waste at the integrated bioenergy complex, the integrated bioenergy complex including an organic conversion processing center and an inorganic conversion processing center. The approach also involves separating the mixed solid waste into recyclables, an organic waste stream, and an inorganic waste stream. The approach further involves feeding the organic waste stream to the organic conversion processing center to produce organic conversion products and an organic residual, and feeding the organic residual and the inorganic waste stream to the inorganic conversion processing center to produce inorganic conversion products, electric power, and a residual waste. The electric power is used to partially or fully power the organic conversion processing center, and residual waste is less than a target percentage of the received mixed solid waste.

BACKGROUND

The composition of mixed solid waste can be highly variable betweendifferent types of waste streams (e.g., commercial and demolition,municipal solid waste, electronic waste, etc.) as well as within asingle type of waste stream (e.g., municipal solid waste can varydepending on collection location, time of collection, etc.). This highvariability has historically made it difficult for solid waste recyclingand disposal facilities to process mixed solid waste without leavingconsiderable amounts of residual wastes that, for instance, are eithertoo difficult or too expensive to recycle or recover. The residual wastewould traditionally have to be disposed through means other thanrecycling or recovery (e.g., landfilling, incineration, etc.), which cancreate environmental or sustainability concerns. As a result, wastemanagement providers face significant technical challenges to reducingresidual wastes resulting from processing mixed solid waste.

SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Therefore, there is a need for an approach for increasing the efficiencyof mixed solid waste recycling/recovery, and reducing residual waste.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises receiving mixed solidwaste at an integrated bioenergy complex. The integrated bioenergycomplex, for instance, includes an organic conversion processing center(e.g., a liquid fuels plant) and an inorganic conversion processingcenter (e.g., an insulation/power plant). The method also comprisesseparating the mixed solid waste into an organic waste stream and aninorganic waste stream. In some embodiments, recyclables can beextracted from the mixed solid waste, the organic waste stream, and/orthe inorganic waste stream prior to further processing. The method thenfurther comprises feeding the organic waste stream (or a non-recycledportion of the organic waste stream for embodiments in which recyclablesare extracted) to the organic conversion processing center to produceone or more organic conversion products and an inorganic residual. Themethod further comprises feeding the inorganic residual and theinorganic waste stream (or a non-recycled portion of the inorganic wastestream for embodiments in which recyclables are extracted) to theinorganic conversion processing center to produce one or more inorganicconversion products, electric power (e.g., “green” electric power), anda residual waste. The electric power is used to partially or fully powerthe organic conversion processing center, and the residual waste is lessthan a target percentage (e.g., 3-5%) of the received mixed solid waste.

According to one embodiment, a system comprises an integrated bioenergycomplex configured to process mixed solid waste to achieve a blendedmoisture content less than or equal to a target moisture percentage(e.g., 10%), and to separate the mixed solid waste into an organic wastestream and an inorganic waste stream. In some embodiments, recyclablescan be extracted from the mixed solid waste, the organic waste stream,and/or the inorganic waste stream prior to further processing. Thesystem also comprises an organic conversion processing center (e.g.,employing a thermal conversion process) located at the bioenergycomplex, the organic conversion processing center configured to receivethe organic waste stream (or a non-recycled portion of the organic wastestream for embodiments in which recyclables are extracted) to produceone or more organic conversion products and an inorganic residual. Thesystem further comprises an inorganic conversion processing center(e.g., employing an induction conversion process/plasma converter)located at the bioenergy complex, the inorganic conversion processingcenter configured to receive the inorganic residual and the inorganicwaste stream (or a non-recycled portion of the inorganic waste streamfor embodiments in which recyclables are extracted) to produce one ormore inorganic conversion products, electric power (e.g., “green”electric power), and a residual waste. The electric power is used topartially or fully power the organic conversion processing center, andthe residual waste is less than a target percentage (e.g., 3%) of thereceived mixed solid waste.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises one or morecomponents configured to receive mixed solid waste at a bioenergycomplex. The bioenergy complex, for instance, includes an organicconversion processing center and an inorganic conversion processingcenter. The apparatus is also configured to separate the mixed solidwaste into an organic waste stream and an inorganic waste stream. Insome embodiments, recyclables can be extracted from the mixed solidwaste, the organic waste stream, and/or the inorganic waste stream priorto further processing. The apparatus is then further configured to feedthe organic waste stream (or a non-recycled portion of the organic wastestream for embodiments in which recyclables are extracted) to theorganic conversion processing center to produce one or more organicconversion products and an inorganic residual. The apparatus is furtherconfigured to feed the inorganic residual and the inorganic waste (or anon-recycled portion of the inorganic waste stream for embodiments inwhich recyclables are extracted) to the inorganic conversion processingcenter to produce one or more inorganic conversion products, electricpower (e.g., “green” electric power), and a residual waste. The residualwaste is less than 3% of the received mixed solid waste.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means forreceiving mixed solid waste at an integrated bioenergy complex. Theintegrated bioenergy complex, for instance, includes an organicconversion processing center and an inorganic conversion processingcenter. The apparatus also comprises means for separating the mixedsolid waste into an organic waste stream and an inorganic waste stream.In some embodiments, recyclables can be extracted from the mixed solidwaste, the organic waste stream, and/or the inorganic waste stream priorto further processing. The apparatus further comprises means for feedingthe organic waste stream (or a non-recycled portion of the organic wastestream for embodiments in which recyclables are extracted) to theorganic conversion processing center to produce one or more organicconversion products and an organic residual. The apparatus furthercomprises means for feeding the inorganic residual and the inorganicwaste stream (or a non-recycled portion of the inorganic waste streamfor embodiments in which recyclables are extracted) to the inorganicconversion processing center to produce one or more inorganic conversionproducts, electric power (e.g., “green” electric power), and a residualwaste. The electric power is used to partially or fully power theorganic conversion processing center, and the residual waste is lessthan a target percentage (e.g., 3%) of the received mixed solid waste.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention arereadily apparent from the following detailed description, simply byillustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations,including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Theinvention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and itsseveral details can be modified in various obvious respects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, andnot by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing an integratedbioenergy complex to process mixed solid waste, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process for processing mixed solid waste atan integrated bioenergy complex, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating components of an integrated bioenergycomplex for processing mixed solid waste, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example organic conversion processing centerincluding a liquid fuels plant for processing organic waste streams,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example inorganic conversion processing centerincluding an induction conversion process/plasma converter forprocessing inorganic waste streams, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process construction and demolition (“C&D”) and/oragricultural mixed solid waste, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process municipal solid waste (MSW), according toone embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process electronic solid waste, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process hospital or medical solid waste, accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process oil/lubricant solid waste, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating example organic conversion productsgenerated from organic waste streams, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating example organic conversion productsgenerated from organic waste streams, according to one embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a method, apparatus, and system for providing an integratedbioenergy complex to process mixed solid waste are disclosed. In thefollowing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the inventionmay be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalentarrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices areshown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuringthe embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing an integratedbioenergy complex to process mixed solid waste, according to oneembodiment. Mixed solid waste 101 is being generated at ever increasingrates across many sectors (e.g., commercial and demolition (C&D) waste103 a, municipal solid waste (MSW) 103 b, electronic waste 103 c,hospital waste 103 d, oil/lubricant wastes 103 e, agricultural wastes103 f, and/or wastes from any other sector). The term mixed solid waste,for instance, refers to wastes that have not been sorted or separated,and contain a composite of different types of wastes including, but notlimited to, any combination of: biodegradable wastes (e.g., food, paper,vegetation, etc.), recyclable wastes (e.g., metals, bottles, cans,etc.), inert wastes (e.g., C&D wastes, dirt, rock, debris, etc.),electronic wastes (e.g., computers, electronic devices, appliances,etc.), composite wastes (e.g., toys containing many differentcomponents, waste clothing, etc.), biomedical wastes (e.g.,pharmaceutical drugs, used hospital supplies, hospital instruments,etc.), and the like.

Traditionally, waste management facilities have managed mixed solidwaste 101 by using processes such as recycling, composting, disposal,and waste-to-energy processes. However, as discussed above, because ofthe wide variability in the composition of mixed solid waste 101, wastemanagement facilities face significant technical challenges with usingthese traditional processes to process mixed solid waste 101 withoutgenerating significant amounts of residual wastes and airbornecontaminants. For example, with respect to recycling, waste managementfacilities often use sorting to identify and pick out recyclablematerials from a waste steam. However, depending on the material and thesorting technique (e.g., manual labor, automated sorting, etc.), it canbe difficult to achieve 100% sorting efficiency, thereby leavingconsiderable amounts of recyclable materials in the residual waste. Inaddition, the cost and effort needed to achieve higher levels ofrecyclable recovery can exceed the commercial value of the recoveredrecyclable material, thereby increasing the likelihood that a wastemanagement facility would not employ extra efforts to reduce residualwastes. Traditional waste management facilities would then typicallydispose of the residual wastes in landfills, through incineration, orother equivalent means. This type of disposal generally has increasedenvironmental impacts and costs (e.g., landfill costs, transport andstorage costs of the residual wastes, landfill gas emissions into theatmosphere, etc.).

To address these challenges, the system 100 of FIG. 1 introduces anintegrated waste management facility (e.g., the integrated bioenergycomplex 105) in which a panoply of technologies (e.g., waste-streamrecycling, recovery, and/or processing technologies) are co-located toachieve a high recycle/recovery rate of incoming waste streams in acost-efficient system. In one embodiment, the integrated bioenergycomplex 105 receives incoming mixed solid waste 101 comprised of anycombination of C&D wastes 103 a, MSW wastes 103 b, electronic wastes 103c, hospital wastes 103 d, and oil/lubricant wastes 103 e. The integratedbioenergy complex 105 then separates the mixed solid waste 101 intoorganic and inorganic waste streams which are then fed respectively toan organic conversion processing center 107 a and an inorganicconversion processing center 107 b. In one embodiment, the bioenergycomplex can also extract commercially valuable recyclable materials 109from the mixed solid waste 101 and/or the organic and inorganic wastestreams before the streams are fed to the organic conversion processingcenter 107 a or the inorganic conversion processing center 107 a.

In one embodiment, the organic conversion processing center 107 aincludes technologies (e.g., a liquid fuels plant using thermalconversion or catalytic cracking, or equivalent) for converting theorganic waste stream into organic conversion products 111 (e.g., fuels,industrial solvents, Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) waxes, etc.) that can berecovered and/or recycled. Similarly, the inorganic conversionprocessing center 107 b includes technologies (e.g., an insulation/powerplant using an induction furnace and plasma converter, or equivalent)for converting the inorganic waste stream into inorganic conversionproducts 113 (e.g., rock wool, metal ingots, etc.). Both the organicconversion processing center 107 a and the inorganic conversionprocessing center 107 b are co-located at the integrated bioenergycomplex 105.

In one embodiment, to reduce the overall residual wastes 115 from theentire bioenergy complex 105, intermediate residual wastes from each ofthe centers 107 a and 107 b can be cross-fed as feedstock into the othercenter. For example, organic residual 117 can be fed to the inorganicconversion processing center 107 b (or vice versa) to advantageouslyimprove recovery efficiency. In one embodiment, the cross-feeding ofresiduals as feedstock can be performed recursively until a targetresidual waste percentage is achieved (e.g., 3-5% or any other specifiedtarget). In yet another embodiment, conversion products (e.g., organicconversion products 111 and inorganic conversion products 113) can becross-feed between the centers 107 a and 107 b to support theirrespective operations. For example, electric power 119 generated by theinorganic conversion processing center 107 b (e.g., via itsinsulation/power plant) can be delivered to the organic conversionprocessing center 107 a to support its operations (e.g., the liquidfuels plant). In one embodiment, the electric power 119 can be referredto as “green” electric power to indicate that the inorganic conversionprocessing center 107 b uses best in class power generation technologiesthat result in minimal or low impacts (e.g., by sequestering CO₂equivalents into conversion products, thereby minimizing the release ofCO₂ and/or other residual wastes into the environment during theelectric power generation process).

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process for processing mixed solid waste atan integrated bioenergy complex, according to one embodiment. FIG. 2describes one general embodiment of the operations of the integratedbioenergy complex 105 and discussed with respect to the examplecomponents of the integrated bioenergy complex 105 illustrated in FIG.3. Specific embodiments corresponding to each of the different types ofmixed solid waste 101 (e.g., C&D wastes 103 a, MSW wastes 103 b,electronic wastes 103 c, hospital wastes 103 d, and oil/lubricant wastes103 e) are described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 6-10respectively).

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the integrated bioenergy complex105 includes the following components for processing mixed solid waste101: waste separators 301, waste pre-processors 303 (e.g., shredders,grinders, etc.), blender/dryer 309, steam generator 311, in addition tocomponents of the integrated bioenergy complex 105 described withrespect to FIG. 1 (e.g., mixed solid waste 101), organic conversionprocessing center 107 a), inorganic conversion processing center 107 b,organic conversion products 111, inorganic conversion products 113,residual waste 115, organic residual 117, and electric power 119). Assuch, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 and/or any of its componentas depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 can provide means for accomplishing variousparts of the process 200 of FIG. 2, as well as means for accomplishingembodiments of other processes described herein.

In one embodiment, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 occupies ageographic area sufficient for co-locating all of the describedcomponents as well as facilities for receiving mixed solid waste 101 andfor storing and/or transporting any of the products/recyclablesresulting from the process 200. In addition, it is contemplated that theintegrated bioenergy complex 105 can employ any means to transportmaterials between the components of the integrated bioenergy complex 109including, but not limited to conveyors, haul vehicles, slides, pipes,transmission lines, etc.

In step 201, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 receives mixed solidwaste 101 for processing. By way of example, the integrated bioenergycomplex 105 can be located near to existing transportation hubs that cansupport commercial traffic under one or more modes of transportation(e.g., trucks, trains, ships/water vessels, airplanes, etc.). In oneembodiment, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 includes an organicconversion processing center 107 a and an inorganic conversionprocessing center 107 b. As discussed above, the centers 107 a and 107 bcan synergistically and/or recursively process the intermediate residualwastes originating from the other center to reduce the total residualwaste 115 resulting from operation of the integrated bioenergy complex105.

In one embodiment, the organic conversion processing center 107 aincludes a liquid fuels plant to convert organic wastes into productsfor recycling and recovery. FIG. 4 illustrates an example liquid fuelsplant 401 that can be included in the organic conversion processingcenter 107 a. It is noted that the liquid fuels plant 401 and thethermal conversion process which it employs are provided by way ofillustration and not as a limitation. It is contemplated that anyorganic conversion process, including non-thermal processes, thatresults in recyclable or recoverable products can be used according tothe embodiments described herein.

As shown FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the liquid fuels plant 401 uses athermal cracking process to convert feedstock 403 (e.g., organic wastesor material) into fuels or other organic conversion products 111. Thethermal cracking process uses a cracking furnace 405 to heat thefeedstock 403 under high temperature to break large carbon moleculesinto smaller carbon molecules that can be collected or used to a varietyof organic conversion products. The specific products that are generatedcan be controlled through temperature or by the addition of specificcatalysts to promote formation of target molecules. For example, thecatalysts can be used to promote the formation of petroleum basedproducts. In this case, products with a lower boiling point are releasedfirst, and higher boiling point molecules being released later.

These products, for instance, can then be captured using a distillationtower 407 as they are released from the cracking furnace 405. In thisway, various products such as, but not limited to, synthetic natural gas409 a, gasoline 409 b, diesel 409 c, jet fuel 409 d, solvents/naphtha409 e, ethanol 409 f, ethylene 409 g, F-T waxes 409 h, and other similarcompounds 409 i can be produced from the feedstock. The residual ashremaining in the cracking furnace 403 after completing the thermalcracking process ends constitutes the organic residual 117. In oneembodiment, the products 409 a-409 i are examples of the organicconversion products 111 produced by the organic conversion processingcenter 107 a.

In one embodiment, the inorganic conversion processing center 107 bincludes an insulation/power plant to convert inorganic wastes intovarious inorganic conversion products. FIG. 5 illustrates an exampleinsulation/power plant 501 that can be included in the organicconversion processing center 107 a. As with example above, it is notedthat the insulation/power plant 501 and the induction conversion/plasmaconverter process which it employs are provided by way of illustrationand not as a limitation. It is contemplated that any inorganicconversion process that results in recyclable or recoverable productsand generates electric power can be used according to the embodimentsdescribed herein.

As shown FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the insulation/power plant 501 usesan induction conversion/plasma converter process to convert feedstock503 (e.g., inorganic waste or material) into various inorganicconversion products 113. For example, the feedstock 503 is introducedinto a pregasifier 505 to convert any organic compounds in the feedstock503 into a gas (e.g., which can be recovered as product fuel or used bythe insulation/power plant 501 as fuel for its induction conversionprocess). After passing through the pregasifier 505, the feedstock 503is introduced to the induction furnace 507 which is operating at asufficient temperature for the induction unit 509 to liquify theinorganic material. The intense heat from the induction furnace breaksdown any remaining organic compounds through pyrolysis to generate gasand steam. At the same time, inorganic compounds are melted intovitrified mineral slag and molten metal. The steam and/or gas can thenbe used to produce electric power 119 via a steam/gas turbine 507. Oncompletion of the process, the vitrified mineral slag can be spun intorock wool 509 a through a centrifugal process. In addition, any moltenmetal that has solidified into ingots can be recovered as ferrous metals509 b, non-ferrous metals 509 c, and/or precious metals 509 d. Afterremoving any other potential products 509 e, the remaining material inthe induction furnace 507 represents residual waste. When used in theprocess 200, the residual waste of the induction furnace 507 representsthe residual waste 115 of the integrated bioenergy complex 105.

Returning to the process 200 of FIG. 2, in step 203, the wasteseparators 301 separate the mixed solid waste 101 into an organic wastestream 305 and an inorganic waste stream 307. Although a plasmaconverter (e.g., as included in the inorganic conversion processingcenter 107 b) traditionally can be used to process the entire mixedsolid waste 101 without separating organic or inorganic waste stream,the plasma converter would not be able to produce the range or organicconversion products 111 that the organic conversion processing center107 a is capable of from the organic components of the mixed solid waste101. Accordingly, by separating the mixed solid waste 101 into thedifferent waste streams 305 and 307, the waste separators 301advantageously enable the integrated bioenergy complex 105 to makepotentially more varied and commercially valuable products.

In one embodiment, the waste separators 301 can use any separationtechnology known in the art to separate the mixed solid waste 101 intothe organic waste stream 305 and the inorganic waste stream 307. Thetechnologies include, but are not limited to, physical screens, densityseparators, magnetic separators, optical separators, sensor-basedseparators, long parts separators, air separators, and/or equivalent.

In one embodiment, prior to feeding the organic waste stream to theorganic conversion processing center and the inorganic waste stream tothe inorganic conversion processing center, the waste separators 301 canextract a recyclable material from the organic waste stream or theinorganic waste stream when a commercial value of the recyclablematerial is greater than a commercial value threshold. By way ofexample, the recyclable material includes plastic, paper/cardboard,metals, sand, aggregates, silt, or a combination thereof. In oneembodiment, commercial value can be set using any threshold criteria.For example, if the commercial value of extracting the recyclablematerial exceeds the cost of extracting, processing, transporting, etc.the recyclable material for sale, then the recyclable material can beextracted. Otherwise, the material can remain in the mixed solid waste101 for processing the processing centers 107 a and/or 107 b. Anotherexample criteria includes determining whether the recyclable material isneeded as feedstock or fuel in any process of the integrated bioenergycomplex 105. If the material is needed, then no extraction is performed.

In one embodiment, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 can includewaste pre-processors 303 to prepare the mixed solid waste 101, theorganic waste stream 305, and/or the inorganic waste stream 307 forsubsequent processing. For example, the waste pre-processors 303 canemploy any technology known in the art to shred, grind, package, wrap,bale, and/or perform any other steps that might be needed to convey oruse the waste 101 or streams 305/307 in subsequent processes of theintegrated bioenergy complex 105.

In one embodiment, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 uses thermalconversion, induction conversion, and/or other heat-based technologiesto process the mixed solid waste 101. Accordingly, a high moisturecontent of the mixed solid waste 101, organic waste stream 305, and/orinorganic waste stream 307 can adversely affect the performance of thoseheat-based technologies. To address this problem, the blender/dryer 309can process the mixed solid waste 101, organic waste stream 305, and/orinorganic waste stream 307 to achieve a blended moisture content lessthan or equal to a target moisture percentage. The target moisturepercentage can be 10% or other similar range suitable for the processingtechnology. In one embodiment, the blender/dryer 309 can blend the mixedsolid waste or streams 305/307 with dryer material to reduce the overallmoisture content. If such blending is not able to achieve the targetmoisture level, the blender/dryer 309 can use process heat 313 collectedfrom the organic conversion processing center 107 a, the inorganicconversion processing center 107 b, or a combination thereof to dry themixed solid waste to achieve the target moisture percentage. In additionor alternatively, the blender/dryer 309 can use any other mechanicalmeans to dry the waste 101 and/or streams 305/307 to the target moisturelevel.

In step 205, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 feeds the organicwaste stream 305 to the organic conversion processing center 107 a toproduce one or more organic conversion products 111 and the inorganicresidual 117. As described above, in one embodiment, the organicconversion processing center 107 a includes a liquid fuels plant 401 toproduce the one or more organic conversion products 111 from the organicwaste stream 305. In this case, the one or more organic conversionproducts include diesel fuel, jet fuel, organic solvents, naphtha,gasoline, ethanol, ethylene, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, and other similarcompounds. In addition, the inorganic residual 117 is ash resulting fromthe liquid fuels plant.

In step 207, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 feeds the inorganicresidual 117 and the inorganic waste stream 307 to the inorganicconversion processing center 107 bto produce one or more inorganicconversion products, electric power, and a residual waste. By furtherprocessing the inorganic residual 117 through the inorganic conversionprocessing center 107 b, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 canadvantageously reduce the overall residual waste 115 by furtherminimizing the inorganic residual 117. As described above, in oneembodiment, the inorganic conversion processing center 107 b includes aninsulation/power plant 501 to produce the one or more inorganicconversion products 113, electric power 119, residual waste 115, or acombination thereof from the inorganic waste stream 305 and theinorganic residual 117. By way of example, the one or more inorganicconversion products 113 include rock wool, metal ingots, or acombination thereof.

In one embodiment, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 can furtheroptimize its environmental or operational performance by performing anyof the steps described below. For example, the integrated bioenergycomplex 105 can feed one or more organic conversion products to theinorganic conversion processing center 107 b as fuel (e.g., natural gas)for the insulation/power plant 501. This fuel can help maintain thetemperature of the plant 501's pregasifier 505, induction furnace 507,etc. In another example, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 can use athermal process of organic conversion processing center 103 (e.g., thecracking furnace 405 of the liquid fuels plant 401) to sterilize theinorganic waste stream 307 prior to feeding the inorganic waste stream307 to the inorganic conversion processing center 107 b. In this way, ifthe waste stream 307 is suspected of being biologically contaminated(e.g., hospital or medical wastes), the waste stream 307 can besterilized so that contamination precautions need not be taken at theinorganic conversion processing center 107 b when handling the wastestream 307. In yet another example, the integrated bioenergy complex 105uses process heat 313 collected from the organic conversion processingcenter 107 a, the inorganic conversion processing center 107 b, or acombination thereof to operate a steam generator system 311 to produceelectric power. The electric power can then be used onsite or sold backto the public electricity grid.

The description of FIGS. 2-5 above describes embodiments of theintegrated bioenergy complex 105 that applies generally to all wastestream types. FIGS. 6-10 describe example applications of the processesof FIGS. 2-5 to specific waste stream types.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of using the integratedbioenergy complex 105 to process construction and demolition (“C&D”)mixed solid waste, according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, theorganic waste stream 601 of C&D waste 103 a includes most commonly (butnot exclusively): (1) plastics, rubber, and vinyl 603 a (e.g., floorcovering, etc.); (2) treated wood 603 b; and (3) untreatedwood/vegetative materials 603 c. The inorganic waste stream 605 includescommonly (but not exclusively): (1) insulation, brick, block, andconcrete 607 a; (2) clean drywall 607 b; (3) grades of aggregate 607 c;(4) grades of sand 607 d; (5) ferrous metals 607 e; and (6) non-ferrousmetals 607 f. In one embodiment, the C&D waste 103 a can also include asubcategory of agricultural wastes 103 f (e.g., from commercial farms).Common examples of agricultural wastes 103 f can include but are notlimited to plastic film used to keep weeds down in growing crops, grainstraw that can no longer be burned off of fields, spoiledfruits/vegetables, vines/tree trimmings, and/or other wastes thatotherwise would be landfilled. In one embodiment, all incoming C&D waste103 a will be processed and utilized through a series of separationprocesses of the integrated bioenergy complex 105 as described above. Inone embodiment, the processes can be: (1) environmentally best of class(e.g., approved by industry groups, demonstrated to have a high level ofperformance, etc.), and (2) independently certified as Leadership inEnergy and Environmental Design (LEED) qualified recycling/re-use orequivalent. In addition, the process design can minimize moisturecontent of C&D waste 103 a with a blended moisture target of 10% orless.

In one embodiment, the integrated bioenergy complex 105 can transformthe organic materials 601 of the C&D wastes 103 a into a series ofuseful products:

Organic materials will be transformed into a series of useful products:

-   -   Plastics with a commercial recycling value will be baled for        recycling;    -   Should commercial recycling value fall below the value of these        plastics in producing fuels, they will be routed to the        production of renewable fuels and other valuable products;    -   Paper/cardboard will be recycled to the extent economic with the        balance used in the production of renewable fuels and other        valuable products;    -   Carpeting and other organic floor coverings will be shredded and        used in the production of renewable fuels and other valuable        products;    -   Rubber will be shredded and dedicated to the production of        renewable fuels and other valuable products; and    -   Woody materials—pressure treated (PT), non-treated, vegetative        materials (veg)—will be ground and mechanically dried to below        10% moisture and dedicated to the production of renewable fuels        and other valuable products.

Similarly, inorganic materials 605 will be transformed into a series ofuseful products:

-   -   Through a series of separation, recycling, and recovery        techniques as discussed above, the following useful materials        can be produced:        -   Ferris metals will be separated for recycling;        -   Non-ferrous metals will be separated for recycling;        -   Several grades of sand and aggregates will be separated for            use in the construction industry;        -   Silt residuals will be separated to be used as amendment in            landscaping and agricultural industries;        -   A nominal amount of organics can emerge from this step which            will be dried to less than 10% moisture and be dedicated to            the production of renewable fuels and other valuable            products;    -   Insulation, brick, block and concrete will be crushed for use in        the production of insulation;    -   Clean drywall to be pelletized for a soil amendment; and    -   Ceiling tiles will be recycled back to their original use        through collection at the source.

The total residual waste expected from processing all C&D waste 103 isgenerally less than 3%.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process municipal solid waste (MSW), according toone embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the organic waste stream 701 of MSWwaste 103 b includes most commonly (but not exclusively): (1) plasticsand rubber 703 a; (2) paper and wood 703 b; and (3) putrescibles andvegetative materials 703 c. The inorganic waste stream 705 includescommonly (but not exclusively): (1) brick, block, and concrete 707 a;(2) glass 707 b; (3) soil amendments 707 c; (4) ferrous metals 707 d;and (5) non-ferrous metals 707 e. In one embodiment, all incoming MSWwaste 103 b will be processed and utilized through a series ofseparation processes of the integrated bioenergy complex 105 asdescribed above. In one embodiment, the processes can be: (1)environmentally best of class (e.g., approved by industry groups,demonstrated to have a high level of performance, etc.), and (2)designed to optimize recycling and/or re-use. In addition, the processdesign can minimize moisture content of MSW waste 103 b with a blendedmoisture target of 10% or less.

Organic materials 701 will be transformed into a series of usefulproducts:

-   -   Plastics with a commercial recycling value will be baled for        recycling;    -   Should commercial recycling value fall below the value of these        plastics in producing fuels, they will be routed to the        production of renewable fuels and other valuable products;    -   All other non-putrescible organics will be dedicated to the        production of renewable fuels and other valuable products;    -   Rubber will be shredded and dedicated to the production of        renewable fuels and other valuable products; and    -   Putrescibles (e.g., foods, diapers, etc.) and vegetative wastes        will be ground and mechanically dried to below 10% moisture and        dedicated to the production of insulation and power.

Inorganic materials 705 will be transformed into a series of usefulproducts:

-   -   Through a series of separation techniques, the following useful        materials will be produced:        -   Ferrous metals will be separated for recycling;        -   Non-ferrous metals will be separated for recycling;        -   Several grades of sand will be separated from any ‘grit’ in            the MSW for use in the construction industry;        -   Soil residuals will be separated to be used as amendment in            landscaping and agricultural industries; and        -   A nominal amount of organics will emerge from this step            which will be dried to less than 10% moisture and be            dedicated to the production of renewable fuels and other            valuable products;    -   All glass, not now commercially recyclable, will be dedicated to        the production of insulation; and    -   Insulation, brick, block and concrete will be processes for use        in the production of insulation.

The total residual waste expected from processing all MSW waste 103 b isgenerally less 3%.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process electronic solid waste, according to oneembodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the organic waste stream 801 ofelectronic waste 103 c includes most commonly (but not exclusively): (1)plastics and rubber 803 a; and (2) paper and cardboard 803 b. Theinorganic waste stream 805 includes commonly (but not exclusively): (1)glass 807 a; (2) ferrous metals 807 b; and (3) non-ferrous metals 807 c.In one embodiment, all incoming electronic waste 103 c will be processedand utilized through a series of separation processes of the integratedbioenergy complex 105 as described above. In one embodiment, theprocesses can be: (1) environmentally best of class (e.g., approved byindustry groups, demonstrated to have a high level of performance,etc.), and (2) designed to optimize recycling and/or re-use. Inaddition, the process design can minimize moisture content of electronicwaste 103 c with a blended moisture target of 10% or less.

Organic materials 801 can be transformed into a series of usefulproducts:

-   -   Plastics with a commercial recycling value can be baled for        recycling;    -   Should commercial recycling value fall below the value of these        plastics in producing fuels, they can be dedicated to producing        renewable fuels and other valuable products;    -   All other non-putrescible organics (paper, plastics, wood        pallets, etc.) can be dedicated to the production of renewable        fuels, insulation, power and other valuable products;    -   Plastic and rubber can be shredded and dedicated to the        production of renewable fuels and other valuable products.

Inorganic materials 805 can be transformed into a series of usefulproducts:

-   -   The following materials can be recycled through a series of        separation methods:        -   Ferrous metals can be separated for recycling;        -   All copper that can be economically separated can be            collected for recycling;        -   Other recyclable metals that can be economically separated            can be collected for recycling;    -   Through a series of separation techniques, the following useful        materials can be produced:        -   Non-ferrous metals (gold, platinum, silver, copper and            others) can be transformed to ingots to be heat separated at            a later time for recycling;        -   A nominal amount of organics can emerge from this step which            can be dried to less than 10% moisture and be dedicated to            the production of renewable fuels and other valuable            products.

The total residual waste expected from processing all electronic waste103 a is generally less 3%.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process hospital or medical solid waste, accordingto one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the organic waste stream 901 ofhospital waste 103 e includes most commonly (but not exclusively): (1)plastics, latex, and rubber 903 a; (2) paper and cardboard 903 b; and(3) putrescibles 903 c. The inorganic waste stream 805 includes commonly(but not exclusively): (1) glass 907 a; (2) ferrous metals 907 b; and(3) non-ferrous metals 907 c. In one embodiment, all incoming hospitalwaste 103 d will be processed and utilized through a series ofseparation processes of the integrated bioenergy complex 105 asdescribed above. In one embodiment, the processes can be: (1)environmentally best of class (e.g., approved by industry groups,demonstrated to have a high level of performance, etc.), and (2)designed to optimize recycling and/or re-use. In addition, the processdesign can minimize moisture content of MSW waste 103 b with a blendedmoisture target of 10% or less.

Organic materials 901 will be transformed into a series of usefulproducts:

-   -   Plastics can be hermetically handled and delivered to a        1,400° F. (+/−) thermal cracking system in order to produce        fuels, they can be dedicated to producing renewable fuels and        other valuable products;    -   All other non-putrescible organics (paper, plastics, wood        pallets, etc.) can be dedicated to the same type of thermal        cracking to production of renewable fuels, insulation, power and        other valuable products; and    -   Plastic and rubber will be dedicated to the thermal cracking        process for the production of renewable fuels and other valuable        products.

In one embodiment, inorganic materials 905 can first be subjected to a1,400°+/−F. thermal cracking system for sterilization. Thereafter,inorganic materials 905 can be transformed into a series of usefulproducts:

-   -   Glass can be used for the production of fiberglass;    -   The following materials can be recycled through a series of        separation methods:        -   Ferris metals can be separated for recycling; and        -   Other recyclable metals that can be economically separated            can be collected for recycling.

The total residual waste expected from processing all hospital waste 103d is generally less than 3%.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an integratedbioenergy complex to process oil/lubricant solid waste, according to oneembodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the organic waste stream 1001 ofoil/lubricant waste 103 e includes most commonly (but not exclusively):(1) petroleum-based oils and lubricants 1003 a; and (2) vegetable-basedoils and lubricants 1003 b. The inorganic waste stream 1005 includescommonly (but not exclusively): (2) ferrous metals in oil 1007 a; and(3) non-ferrous metals in oils 1007 b. In one embodiment, all incomingoil/lubricant waste 103 e can be processed and utilized through a seriesof separation processes of the integrated bioenergy complex 105 asdescribed above. In one embodiment, the processes can be: (1)environmentally best of class (e.g., approved by industry groups,demonstrated to have a high level of performance, etc.), and (2)designed to optimize recycling and/or re-use. In addition, care can betaken to minimize any contamination by water with these materials.

In one embodiment, all of this organic and inorganic materials 1001 and1005 (e.g., motor oils, lubricants, vegetable oils, oil contaminatedsoils, fuel contaminated soils, etc.) can be blended with the organicmaterials from processing other waste types as described above forfeeding into the organic conversion processing center 107 a to formliquid fuels and other valuable products. Generally, there will be anumber of inorganic materials 1005 within these oils and lubricants(e.g., engine filings, engine wear items, etc.). These inorganicmaterials will be resident in the ash (i.e., organic residuals 117)arising from the organic conversion processing center 107 a, and will beformed into ingots by the inorganic conversion processing center 107 b.

The total residual waste expected from processing all oil/lubricantwaste 103 e is generally less than 1%.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating example organic conversion productsgenerated from organic waste streams, according to one embodiment. Morespecifically, FIG. 11 summarizes the products that result from using athermal conversion process 1101 (e.g., by the organic conversionprocessing center 107 a) to process the organic waste streams of acrossdifferent waste types. These waste types include, for instance: (1) C&Dorganic stream 1103 a consisting of, e.g., carpet/plastics/paper/rubber1105 a, treated wood 1105 b, and untreated wood/veg 1105 c; (2) MSWorganic stream 1103 b consisting of, e.g., plastics/paper/rubber 1105 d;(3) electronic organic stream 1103 c consisting of, e.g., plastics 1105e; (4) hospital organic stream 1103 d consisting of, e.g., mixed paper1105 f; (5) oil/lubricant organic stream 1103 e consisting of, e.g.,used oil 1105 g; and (6) agricultural organic stream 1103 f consistingof, e.g., plastics 1105 h and untreated veg 1105 i. In one embodiment,the thermal conversion process 1101 can be: (1) environmentally best ofclass (e.g., approved by industry groups, demonstrated to have a highlevel of performance, etc.), and (2) designed to optimize recyclingand/or re-use. For example, the embodiments described herein can use athermal conversion process 1101 that is able to sequester approximatelyone ton CO₂ equivalents for every ton of mixed solid waste 101processed, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the integratedbioenergy complex 105. In addition, the process design can minimizemoisture content of MSW waste 103 b with a blended moisture target of10% or less.

The organic materials can be transformed into a series of usefulproducts 1107:

-   -   High grade (ASTM quality) diesel fuel with extremely low levels        of both contaminants and sulfur;    -   High grade (ASTM quality) jet fuel with extremely low levels of        contaminants;    -   High grade (ASTM) quality) solvents and naphtha with extremely        low levels of contaminants;    -   High grade (ASTM quality) gasoline with extremely low levels of        contaminants;    -   High grade (ASTM quality) ethanol with extremely low levels of        contaminants;    -   High grade ethylene with extremely low levels of contaminants;    -   Fischer-Tropsch waxes with extremely low levels of contaminants;        and    -   Other intermediate chemicals and liquids that have extremely low        levels of contaminants and high value in commercial use.

The total residual waste expected from all these organics thermallycracked is estimated to be less than 3%.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating example inorganic conversion productsgenerated from inorganic waste streams, according to one embodiment.More specifically, FIG. 12 summarizes the products that result fromusing an induction conversion process 1201 (e.g., by the inorganicconversion processing center 107 b) to process the inorganic wastestreams of across different waste types. These waste types include, forinstance: (1) C&D inorganic stream 1203 a consisting of, e.g.,brick/block/concrete/glass 1205 a; (2) MSW inorganic stream 1203 bconsisting of, e.g., glass 1205 b; (3) electronic inorganic stream 1203c consisting of, e.g., gold/platinum/silver/others 1205 c; (4) hospitalinorganic stream 1203 d consisting of, e.g., stainless steel 1205 d; (5)oil/lubricant inorganic stream 1203 e consisting of, e.g., metal shards1205 e; and (6) organic residual 117 consisting of, e.g., mineralcontent/metals 1205 f in the ash from the organic conversion processingcenter 107 a. In one embodiment, the induction conversion process 1201can be: (1) environmentally best of class (e.g., approved by industrygroups, demonstrated to have a high level of performance, etc.), and (2)designed to optimize recycling and/or re-use. In addition, the processdesign can minimize moisture content of MSW waste 103 b with a blendedmoisture target of 10% or less.

Inorganic materials will be transformed into a series of usefulproducts:

-   -   C&D inorganic stream 1203 a and MSW inorganic 1203 b can used to        generate insulation and electric power 1207 using the induction        conversion 1201 of the inorganic conversion processing center        107 b;    -   Electronic inorganic stream 1203 c, hospital inorganic stream        1203 d, and oil/lubricant inorganic stream 1203 e can be process        for metal recovery 1209 using the induction conversion 1201 of        the inorganic conversion processing center 107 b;    -   Organic residual 117 is the remaining inorganics from the        organic conversion processing center 107 a, e.g., residual ash        in the bottom of the thermal cracker, and is processed to        generate insulation/power 1207 and/or metal recovery 1209 as        follows:        -   Nominal amounts of ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be            present in the ash of the thermal cracker;        -   Nominal amounts of glass can be present in the ash of the            thermal cracker;        -   The mineral content from all of the consumed organic            materials can remain in the ash; and        -   In one embodiment, it is contemplated that there are no            remaining organic residuals after processing through            inorganic conversion processing center 107 b because of            aggressive thermal induction/plasma converter treatment.            However, if a nominal amount of organics emerges from this            step, any remaining organic residuals can be dried to less            than 10% moisture and then dedicated to the production of            renewable fuels and other valuable products.

While the invention has been described in connection with a number ofembodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited butcovers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, whichfall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of theinvention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it iscontemplated that these features can be arranged and/or re-arranged inany combination and order.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for processing mixed solid wastecomprising: receiving the mixed solid waste at an integrated bioenergycomplex, the integrated bioenergy complex including an organicconversion processing center and an inorganic conversion processingcenter; separating the mixed solid waste into an organic waste streamand an inorganic waste stream; feeding the organic waste stream to theorganic conversion processing center to produce one or more organicconversion products and an organic residual; and feeding the organicresidual and the inorganic waste stream to the inorganic conversionprocessing center to produce one or more inorganic conversion products,electric power, and a residual waste, wherein the electric power is usedto partially or fully power the organic conversion processing center;and wherein the residual waste is less than a target residual percentageof the received mixed solid waste.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: processing the mixed solid waste to achieve a blendedmoisture content less than or equal to a target moisture percentage. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein the target moisture percentage is 10%,and wherein the target residual percentage of the received mixed solidwaste is 3% or less.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: priorto feeding the organic waste stream to the organic conversion processingcenter and the inorganic waste stream to the inorganic conversionprocessing center, extracting a recyclable material from the organicwaste stream or the inorganic waste stream when a commercial value ofthe recyclable material is greater than a commercial value threshold. 5.The method of claim 4, wherein the recyclable material includes plastic,paper/cardboard, metals, sand, aggregates, silt, or a combinationthereof.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic conversionprocessing center includes a liquid fuels plant to produce the one ormore organic conversion products from the organic waste stream.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the organic residual is ash resulting fromthe liquid fuels plant.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:using a thermal process of the liquid fuels plant to sterilize theinorganic waste stream prior to feeding the inorganic waste stream tothe inorganic conversion processing center.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the inorganic conversion processing center includes aninsulation/power plant to produce the one or more or more inorganicconversion products, the electric power, the residual waste, or acombination thereof from the inorganic waste stream.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more organic conversion products are fed tothe inorganic conversion processing center as fuel for theinsulation/power plant.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:using process heat collected from the organic conversion processingcenter, the inorganic conversion processing center, or a combinationthereof to dry the mixed solid waste to achieve the target moisturepercentage.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: using processheat collected from the organic conversion processing center, theinorganic conversion processing center, or a combination thereof tooperate a steam generator system.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein theone or more organic conversion products include diesel fuel, jet fuel,organic solvents, naphtha, gasoline, ethanol, ethylene, Fischer-Tropschwaxes, or a combination thereof; and wherein the one or more inorganicconversion products include rock wool, metal ingots, green electricpower or a combination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein themixed solid waste includes construction and demolition waste, vegetativewaste, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, electronic waste,hospital waste, waste oil, oil-contaminated waste, lubricant waste, or acombination thereof.
 15. A system for processing mixed solid wastecomprising: an integrated bioenergy complex configured to process themixed solid waste to achieve a blended moisture content less than orequal to 10%, and to separate the mixed solid waste into an organicwaste stream and an inorganic waste stream; an organic conversionprocessing center located at the bioenergy complex, the organicconversion processing center configured to receive the organic wastestream to produce one or more organic conversion products and an organicresidual; and an inorganic conversion processing center located at thebioenergy complex, the inorganic conversion processing center configuredto receive the organic residual and the inorganic waste stream toproduce one or more inorganic conversion products, electric power, and aresidual waste, wherein the electric power is used to partially or fullypower the organic conversion processing center, and wherein the residualwaste is less than 3% of the received mixed solid waste.
 16. The systemof claim 15, wherein the organic conversion processing center uses athermal cracking process to generate the one or more organic conversionproducts and the organic residual, and wherein the inorganic conversionprocessing center uses a plasma converter to generate the one or moreinorganic conversion products, the electric power, and the residualwaste.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the integrated bioenergycomplex is further configured to extract a recyclable material from theorganic waste stream or the inorganic waste stream when a commercialvalue of the recyclable material is greater than a commercial valuethreshold.
 18. An apparatus for processing mixed solid waste comprisesone or more components configured to: receive the mixed solid waste at abioenergy complex, the bioenergy complex including an organic conversionprocessing center and an inorganic conversion processing center;separate the mixed solid waste into an organic waste stream and aninorganic waste stream; feed the organic waste stream to the organicconversion processing center to produce one or more organic conversionproducts and an organic residual; and feed the organic residual and theinorganic waste to the inorganic conversion processing center to produceone or more inorganic conversion products, electric power, and aresidual waste, wherein the residual waste is less than 3% of thereceived mixed solid waste.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein theone or more components are further configured to process the mixed solidwaste to achieve a blended moisture content less than or equal to 10%.20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein process heat collected from theorganic conversion processing center, the inorganic conversionprocessing center, or a combination thereof is used to dry the mixedsolid waste to less than 10% moisture, to operate a steam generatorsystem, or a combination thereof.